Ports pitcher in the zone

STOCKTON — Norge Ruiz had his best start of the season for the Stockton Ports on Thursday, pitching six scoreless innings against the Inland Empire 66ers at Stockton Ballpark.

The Ports led 7-0 after seven innings and were well on their way to avenging Wednesday's 7-5 loss at press time. Ruiz, the former Cuban National Team star who received a $2 million signing bonus as a free agent on Dec. 23, 2016, lowered his earned run average to 2.81 while looking to win his second consecutive start.

Ruiz, whose fastball topped out at 93 miles per hour, struck out eight while allowing seven hits and two walks.

Ports pitching coach Steve Connelly said the Oakland A's think highly of Ruiz, who was ranked by MLB.com as the third-best international prospect during the signing period.

"Here's a guy who has the ability to pitch up into the mid- to high-90s with command of his fastball," Connelly said. "He has a major-league average — if not above average — changeup and split-finger, and a pretty good breaking ball to go with it.

"So, you're looking at a guy with a solid four-pitch mix who has pitched internationally at a high level. He has a feel for the fastball and understands what he's trying to do out there."

The Ports (9-11 second half, 36-34 overall) took a 2-0 lead in the first inning when Brett Siddall's 14th home run plated Skye Bolt. It was Siddall's second home run in as many games after going eight games without one.

Nate Mondou also hit a two-run blast in the second inning for a 4-0 lead. The Ports increased their lead over the 66ers (12-8, 30-40) to 7-0 in the fifth as Luis Barrera, Skye Bolt and Siddall all got hits.

Stockton lost the opener of the four-game series 7-5 on Wednesday as Inland Empire starter Jose Rodriguez (7-7, 4.94 ERA) earned the win after allowing three runs over 5 2/3 innings. Stockton's Chris Bassitt (0-1, 2.77) suffered the loss after allowing four runs and six hits over 1 1/3 innings.

Tracy High product Jonah Wesely entered in the eighth inning in relief and allowed one run on one hit, a walk. He also recorded two strikeouts. Wesely exited after loading the bases.

"Last night was a fun time to have some family, friends, cousins and grandparents," Wesely said. "I didn't have my most sharp fastball command like I've had recently, but I executed some pitches when I had to but, unfortunately, I walked that last batter."

Inland Empire manager Chad Tracy said Wesely has been a solid addition to the 66ers bullpen after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July 2015.

"To come back out, and go back to Burlington and pitch the way he did, he's earned his way here and actually has thrown the ball really, really well for us," Tracy said. "He's right on pace where he should be doing.

"With where he's at, and what he went through, I think he understands you're going to have a little progression. So, he's one step away from Double-A and, hopefully, he continues to throw the ball well."

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